Wu Hailong, a former Chinese assistant foreign minister, stated at a forum that Japan has never truly reflected on its World War II aggression crimes. China and Russia should join hands to guard against Japan causing trouble in the Asia-Pacific region. The event in Beijing drew over 20 analysts from both nations.
Wu Hailong, who served as assistant minister of foreign affairs from 2009 to 2011, now heads the semi-official China Public Diplomacy Association. At a forum in Beijing last week, he warned that the Japan factor cannot be ignored in China-Russia relations. “When discussing China-Russia relations, I cannot avoid mentioning the Japan factor,” Wu said, according to the media outlet Guancha.
Wu emphasized that Tokyo “has never truly reflected on or repented its crimes of aggression” during World War II. He advised Russia to factor in the challenge from Japan and urged both nations to “join hands to guard against Japan creating trouble for us in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Jointly hosted by Guancha’s Beijing Club for International Dialogue and Russia’s Valdai Discussion Club, a Moscow-based think tank, the event drew over 20 analysts from both countries. The discussions focused on China-Russia ties while addressing Asia-Pacific geopolitics, including Japan’s potential influence in the region.
Wu’s remarks highlight China’s concerns over Japan’s historical stance and current diplomatic positions. The forum underscores the willingness of China and Russia to cooperate on shared regional challenges, though specific policy details were not elaborated.